1966 200 I6, water in exhaust

[Anonymous]

I live in Arizona,and the humidity has been extremely low for months now and no rain for 125 days in a row, and I still have moisture coming from my tailpipe a minute or so after starting the engine. The previous owner clamed of a complete overhaul 1000 miles ago, but did lie about the cars condition in other areas, So am unsure about mileage. The water does not smell of antifreeze and is not oily. I guess it could be condensation, but I doubt it. Also, no water in the oil, just changed it. Bad head gasket? Warped head? Once the engine has warmed up, the condensation stops. Otherwise it runs fantastic, 15 mpg and doesn't seem to use oil or smoke. The 200 is in a 66 mustang with the light duty 3 speed. Thanks for yur help.

 

[pedal2themetal45]

HI GRAINBOY
Welcome to the board.
You'd be suprised on how much water is in the gas we get now a days.
I'd have a tendency to say thats all it is or condinsation. If it was a head gasket it would over heat and you would lose water..
tim

 

[Anonymous]

I do get a dribble out of the overflow when engine is warm, but every time I have checked the coolant level, it is clear full.

 

[MustangSix]

Water is a commbuston byproduct. When the engine and exhaust are cool, a lot of that will condense out and come out the tailpipe. If you still get steam and water when the engine is hot, you have other problems.

 

[jamyers]

I wouldn't worry about it, I get the same thing here in West Texas.

As long as you don't get water in your oil, or oil in the radiator, or a stream of bubbles in the radiator, I wouldn't worry about it.

Just moisture that's condensed in the pipes - it's amazing how much there is in the air, even when the humidity is on the floor. And like Mustang6 said, the hot/dry pipes tend to collect it when you shut down, and blow it back out when you start up.

 

[strat1960s]

I just recently moved to Montana from Phoenix AZ. I too had concerns about water droplets comming out of the exhaust pipes right after startup. Once my car warmed up a little the droplets went away.
I found that even in a climate with almost zero humidity moisture in the air (could come from inside your garage from a washer/dryer or water softener or even an outside source like a sprinkler system) will condence on/in cooler surfaces. This is very normal. If this still concerns you, check your coolant levels daily until you are satisfied that there is no possible internal coolant leaks. I checked my fluid levels for a few weeks before I was satisfied that I did not have a problem.
It sounds like you have a pretty nice running motor.
Good luck and please let us know what you find out.

Ted

 

[CoupeBoy]

I do get a dribble out of the overflow when engine is warm, but every time I have checked the coolant level, it is clear full.

Our old fords are not meant to be completely full unless you have rigged up an overflow tank. My antifreeze level is normally about halfway between the top of the radiator core and the top of the tank. If you keep filling it to the top, it will keep spitting anitfreeze out of the overflow.

-ron

 

[Anonymous]

Perfect combustion would produce CO2 and H20.
Incomplete combustion like have in our vehicles produces CO2, H20 and CO.

It's the H20 condensing out that you see. Actually a sign of a engine running just fine. Black soot, smoke and acrid smoke would be bad.

Water vapor...okay.